In-N-Out President Urges Community to Turn to God, not Anger, After Idaho Shooting

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The president of In-N-Out Burgers says the company is mourning the loss of one of its employees following the mass shooting at a newly opened Idaho restaurant.

Authorities say the gunfire erupted Saturday outside the newly opened In-N-Out in Twin Falls, leaving three people dead – including an employee – and seven others wounded.

Police say the 24-year-old gunman acted alone before taking his own life, adding that the actions of an armed bystander and an off-duty Idaho state trooper likely prevented an even greater tragedy. Investigators have not announced a motive. The gunman was identified as Chad Williams.

Lynsi Snyder, the president of In-N-Out Burgers, released a statement mourning the victims, honoring the slain employee and asking the public to pray for everyone affected.

“My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I've shed,” Snyder said in a statement. “We lost one of our beautiful Associates tonight. She was taking care of our most important asset – our Customers, and her life was taken by a disgusting human who doesn't value the lives of others or his own.

“He shot both on our property and off, and ended his life shortly after he took the precious lives of our Associate and Customers, innocent people who never saw it coming.”

Snyder called on the community to seek God's comfort and strength as families and employees grieve.

“IN-N-OUT will be mourning with the families and praying for them as they tread through a very painful season. I am no stranger to loss, but this is so incredibly tough, and my heart also goes out to all of the Associates and Customers who were there during this traumatic event.

“I love you all, and I ask you to turn to God, not in anger, but seeking comfort and strength for those who are hurting. We will stand together, and we will do everything we can to learn from this situation.”

The heroic armed bystander told the Idaho Statesman he and his girlfriend had stopped at the Twin Falls In-N-Out after a horseback riding trip when gunfire suddenly erupted. Jordan Salinas, a 35-year-old healthcare worker, said he instinctively ran toward the danger, drawing his legally carried handgun and relying on years of firearms training.

“He did not like it when bullets started firing both ways,” Salinas said.

The actions of Salinas and the off-duty law enforcement officer sent the shooter running.

“These people are true heroes in our community,” Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson told the newspaper. “They diverted the shooter and without a doubt saved many lives.”

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash.com/lanceplaine

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

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